Monaco handed points penalty for next season

Ligue One newcomers Monaco have been handed a two-point penalty for next season following violent incidents by fans during their second-division title celebrations, the French League (LFP) said on Thursday.

Published

27 June 2013

Fireworks were set off during Monaco's last home game against Le Mans before fans invaded the pitch after the final whistle. During the melee, the referee was struck by a fan, according to the match officials report.

"Regarding the seriousness of the facts, Monaco are condemned to one match behind closed doors and a three-point penalty, including one suspended, for the next Ligue 1 season," the LFP said in a statement.

Big-spending Monaco, owned by Russian billionaire Dmitry Rybolovlev, are widely expected to be the main challengers to champions Paris Saint-Germain in the title race next season.

They have already splashed out more than 120 million euros to sign Colombian striker Radamel Falcao from Atletico Madrid, and fellow countryman James Rodriguez and Portugal midfield Joao Moutinho from FC Porto.